Manager, Global DEI Strategy & Alignment
McDonald's

Cristina Alfaro is a highly accomplished communications executive with a wealth of experience in strategic public relations, multicultural communications, community engagement, diversity and inclusion strategies, corporate positioning, and issues management. With a robust track record spanning both corporate and public relations agency roles, Cristina currently plays a key role in shaping the strategic direction of McDonald’s Global DEI Center of Excellence as a valued member of the team. Her passion for this crucial work is reignited after a five-year hiatus from the brand, during which she successfully owned and operated a wholesale specialty bakery alongside her husband.

Rejoining McDonald’s in 2022, Cristina brings eleven years of valuable experience from her previous roles in U.S. Communications and Global Diversity & Inclusion. She initially joined McDonald’s in 2006 to spearhead multicultural communications efforts, new product launches, promotions, and brand trust initiatives. Later, as part of Global Inclusion and Community Engagement, Cristina led the company’s community engagement initiatives, playing a pivotal role in identifying, building, and maintaining partnerships with key diversity organizations.

Before her McDonald’s tenure, Cristina honed her communication skills at leading medium and large public relations agencies, where she led teams servicing major consumer and hospitality brands. Her journey began as a media relations coordinator at the Great Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.

A dynamic and adaptable leader, Cristina has a proven ability to orchestrate award-winning strategic initiatives. Her outstanding work has earned her accolades, including the McDonald’s President’s Award and a place in the Miami Dade College Alumni Hall of Fame in the Communications category.

Cristina holds a B.A. in Economics from Florida International University and an Associate of Arts from Miami Dade College. Beyond her professional achievements, she is a travel enthusiast, dog lover, wellbeing seeker, and motorcycle co-pilot. Cristina resides in Chicago with her husband Marcelo and their cherished pups Charlie, Loui, and Mila.